Review: The Bankster by Ravi Subramanian

Thrillers have been part and parcel of the writing industry for a very long time now. Many all time greats like John Grisham and others have produced marvels in this genre and continue to do so. Author Ravi Subramanian in his book "The Bankster" takes the world for a spin with a banking thriller on offering. How far is he successful in spinning a web around the readers? Let's find out. 

Bankers build their careers on trust, or so everyone thinks, till a series of murders threaten to destroy the reputation that the Greater Boston Global Bank (GB2) has built over the years. Who is behind these killings, and what is their motive? 
When Karan Panjabi, press reporter and ex-banker, digs deeper, he realizes that he has stumbled upon a global conspiracy with far reaching ramifications a secret that could not only destroy the bank but also cast a shadow on the entire nation. With only thirty-six hours at his disposal, he must fight the clock and trust no one if he is to stay alive and uncover the truth.

First look at the title and the cover and the feel of a thriller being on the cards can be experienced by the readers. The man in a black coat with a gun and a hardened stance is a proof and an alibi to the title. The blurb talks about a conspiracy happening in a bank which has a lot more to it than it looks. The blurb is very good not giving out secrets of a story and leaving readers in a frenzy. 

The story starts off from Angola where a secret agent is involved in some heavy exchanges and then the story shifts to GB2 bank in Mumbai where a lot of activity has been happening under the pretext of hiring and new accounts being opened in their branches. There is a parallel plot running with the story where an old man Krishna Menon is fighting against government's new project of a nuclear power plant in Devikulam, Kerala which can spell doom for the inhabitants of the place. Amidst all this somewhere some murders in GB2 bank are left unnoticed until the murder of Raymond intrigues Karan an ex employee of the bank and now with a media corporation. His quest to uncover the whole mystery behind these murders/suicides leads him on a trail which will life curtains off a larger picture which will not only shake the roots of GB2 but also some international organisations too. So who's behind all this? Who is innocent and who is a criminal? All will unfold one by one as this is the dirtiest game ever played in the history of banking industry which will shake the roots of entire organisation. 

The story is a brilliantly crafted thriller set on the banking frames. The mesmerizing narration and the hidden secrets of characters in the book is the thing to watch out for. Readers mind will go for a walk as the story sometimes takes you on a long trail and then gets you back to the square one which is a plus point of the whole book. There's a lot of masala what an Indian reader desires for in the book. 

The downside of the book is the Devikulam part which in the end turns out to be a weak link of the book. It's existence in the plot just stretches the whole story too much. The end felt a little loose in the book which could have been tightened up more. 

The pace of the story and the narration of the events set the tone as it's a ride from Angola to Mumbai and the deceptive nature of the plot and the characters. The tone of the book is edgy and thrills a lot covering all the aspects of a thriller. Readers can enjoy a book which will make you run round and round in circles and then suddenly it'll be a realization that things were happening just before the eyes but nobody could sense it. It's a master thriller. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5

Review: The Race of My Life : An Autobiography by Milkha Singh & Sonia Sanwalka

Writing about your own-self and making it public is a thing which needs lots of trust and patience of the others. Not many are able to pen down the exact emotions of what they have been through in their real life.  Sir Milkha Singh in his autobiography "The Race of My Life"  has tired his best to give a sneek peek of what he went through and ultimately how he reached within touching distance of his dreams and ambitions and made it till the end. Let's find out what is in store for the readers. 

Milkha Singh has led a life dominated by running, running and running. From a boy who narrowly escaped death during Partition (most of his family was not so lucky), to a juvenile delinquent who stole and outran the police, to a young Army recruit who ran his very first race to win special privileges for himself (a daily glass of milk). After that first race, Milkha Singh became an athlete by default. And what followed was the stuff legends are made of. In this remarkably candid autobiography, Milkha Singh shares the amazing highs of winning Indias first ever gold in athletics at the Commonwealth Games, the unbridled joy of being hailed as the Flying Sikh in Pakistan, as well as the shattering low of failure at the Olympics. Simple, yet ambitious; famous, yet grounded; temptations all around him, yet remaining celibate so he could focus on racing; a rich and beautiful girl who was desperate for him, yet fighting the world to marry his lady love, Nimmi, even as the on-field drama found its way into his personal life, Milkha was a man who defined his own destiny. And yet, for a man whose life was dominated by sports, he continues to remain disillusioned with the way sports is run. Powerful and gripping, The Race of My Life documents the journey of an impoverished refugee who rose to become one of the most towering figures in Indian sports.

First look at the title and the cover and one gets inspired from the younger and fitter Milkha Singh. His stance itself is an inspiration for young and old both to be determined about their goals. There is not much to talk about the blurb because it's a sneak peak of a legend's life a small introduction to his success unmatched. 

The story is about Milkha Singh and his struggles throughout his life to find his footing on a firm ground. The circumstances of his childhood and the way his life was torn apart by the partition and from there on how he became a determined and a hardworking soldier first and then a sprinter is story in itself. His rise to prominence from the ashes is a tale of valor, dedication, genuineness, humbleness & his principles which he never left behind for his goals. It's a story to inspire many. 

It won't be right to judge a book of a living legend called as " The Flying Sikh" of the country. His accolades and hard work in his field and towards his country are unspeakable and unmatched. His determination is the talk of the entire nation. His name still buzzes in the arena when our current lot represents our country at the various levels of athletics throughout the world. He along with other legends is a name to be remembered for entire eternity as no one can ever replace him or eclipse his achievements throughout their life. 

The book is a source of inspiration and a treasure of knowledge for each and everyone who have that grit and determination to work hard towards their goals. If you think big then only you make it big. Read it not as a story but for an idol whose life is the milestone for many in the present and coming generations too. Salute to the "Flying Sikh". 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5

Review: Unconditionally Yours by Mehek Bassi

Anthology is the latest flavor of the season. Anthologies based on love have flocked the Indian literary scene completely. Some have been compelling and jolting while some have fallen flat on expectations. Author Mehek Bassi in her second book " Unconditionally Yours" has gone outright to strengthen her hold on love and emotions associated with it. So has she been able to deliver the goods? Let's find out.

First look at the title and the tagline and the cover image and it's color and the readers will be soaked in love from top to bottom. It's a beautiful rendition of the idea and weaving it into an anthology. There is no blurb to talk about but the tagline suggests about 10 love stories to look forward to in the book. A small blurb containing few facts about the book would do a world of good to it.

Story No. 1:

A story which knows no boundaries. It's a story of a soldier and his undying love for his country and others. Love makes enemies melt too. This is the moral of the story. Read it for it's absolutely simple yet splendid narration. There's a lot more in it than college romance.

Story No. 2:

People are kind but are they kind enough to part something from their life which can change somebody else's life forever? It might not happen in real but it happens in this story. A story with a big heart and love which is unmatched for the people who are not your immediate family but still are family. It again teaches a big lesson in life never to ignore anyone. They might come good sometime or the other in your life in future.

Story No. 3:

Sometimes a selfless act is enough to make someone realize of their mistake. It's equivalent to a harsh punishment. This is what the story is all about. It's a good story more about selflessness and honesty.

Story No. 4:

One move, one step and all can be ruined or can turn out to be the best dream ever. That is what the story is all about. It's about love which has to be confessed but hesitations creep. It's a nice story with the hearts in your mouth for sometime.

Story No. 5:

When somebody's love becomes a purpose for revenge then nothing in this world can stop you to claim justice either by hook or by crook. It's a beautiful story of love gone in a haste but memories which remain etched in the mind forever.

Story No. 6:

It's a story of two young people who have feelings for each other but are afraid of what might happen after the confession. But sometimes love takes over all other emotions and holds true till the end. It's a cute love story with bits and pieces of love holding it till the end.

Story No. 7:

Never ever do things in your life with loved ones which make you repent your one action forever. The story holds true in this case. It's the best story of the whole lot. Selfless love for their own, harsh realities and what goes around comes back around makes it one amazing short story.

Story No. 8:

I wish I had words for this story. How life turns around for a beautiful little girl in one day. One single incident that changes it all. It's not a story it's the reality of our life. It's an eye opener. Readers need to read it to experience the excruciating pain of a person. It's a brilliant story.

Story No. 9:

A simple yet alluring story of two people who are supposed to spend their life together forever. The anxiousness, the fears, the joys, the questions and their multiple answers in the mind, the dilemma, the excitement these are the words which best sum up the story. It's a nice story to read.

Story No. 10:

Arranged Marriage might not be a very trendy concept of marriage ever but still it holds firm in some cases. This is one story where it holds true in each and every aspect. It's a marvelous story of two strangers who meet, get married and then it's up to them to stay besides each other till the end. It's a story which tells you if it's destined to happen this way, then no force on earth can prove it otherwise.

There are a lot of positives in the book. The stories portray each and every bright and dark spot of love. Sacrifices, sorrows, joys etc. are the emotions which have been used to balance the whole idea behind the book. The stories which compel the readers to be jolted are story no. 1, 7, 8 & 10.

The stories which are the weak links of the book are story no. 6 & 9. They needed a little bit more in terms of ideas about love in it.

It's an anthology worth spending time with. 10 stories which won't be a burden instead teach you a lesson or two about love and will make you fall in love with it's characters and witty narration. A book to be enjoyed for it's sheer audacity to explore the highs and lows of love in life. It will rise and rise till it takes you beyond the clouds in fairy tale world of love between people and love in many relationships.

RATINGS:

4 OUT OF 5

Help Me Please (Chapter-4)

That slap might not have left a physical scar on Manav's face but it drew the ire of many in the college. After a couple of days as I was standing out of my class I saw a boy walking calmly towards me. 

I gazed past a gathering crowd near the notice board and got horror struck when I saw Manav approaching towards me with confident and energetic steps. I felt lost and nearly had tears in my eyes. 

He came up to me and with a poise in his voice said, Hi Miss. 

Tttt.... Tanisha. 

Oh Yeah. Tanisha. I'm sorry that day I couldn't get your name in the midst of all the drama. 

I'm sorry. 

What? Can you speak loudly Tanisha? 

I'm sorry Manav. 

What for? If you are thinking about the slap it's all gone and forgotten. 

But I'm really sorry. I mean I didn't wanted to slap you. But it just happened. 

Ahh. Don't worry about it. I came up to clear the air. I don't hold grudges. 

Tears welled up in my eyes and he came near me and with his soft hands held my face and caressed my wet eyes and cheeks. 

Shhhh. shhh.. Calm down. I told you Tanisha there is nothing to cry or sulk about. Please get over it. 


But... 

No if's no buts's. Let's have a fresh start? Friends? 

He outstretched his hands towards me and I thought for a second and my hand automatically twined with his. 

He smiled and made a mocking gesture of a big smile and walked away. 

Days flew by gradually and we came over that incident. We two became close and people started gossiping about us. 

He was calm, I was outrageous. He was ever smiling and I was ever rude. Still he bear all my tantrums and from slapping fiasco to coffee and movie and best friends we became inseparable.

Gradually love culminated in our hearts. But both of us feared about the outcome and never confessed it in front of each other. It had been nearly 9 months in the college and we were together forever. 

Our bonding and love and support for each other can be gauged for the fact that he dropped by at 2 in the night to wish me Happy Friendship Day and I treated him in the morning over a cup of coffee. 

He usually used to sneak in my house which at first horrified me but later on became our  regular late night outings with each other. 

We never crossed lines of physical intimacy and restricted ourselves to holding hands and embracing each other. I guess there was a sense of awkwardness among us. 

"US" it sounded cute and caring for both of us. It gave me a sense of pride to have the hottest guy of the college besides me and girls including my friends seething with jealousy. 

There were a few times where we had disagreements and fights too about his extra sensitivity towards girls but he always laughed it off and cheered me up that instant. 

Valentines day grew close and I knew that something special will definitely happen this year. 

There was love but still there was no confession from his side. I had that old school funda in my mind that he is a boy and he should be man enough to propose me. 

I occasionally used to blush at this thought and would smile at my stupidity. 

He suddenly managed to disappear from the college a few days before Valentine's day. 

I was hurt about it because I his best friends expected an explanation but he didn't tell me about it. 

13th February was about to get over and nearly my head was throbbing with all sorts of thoughts about him. 

Suddenly my phone beeped and I got a message from him . It was 11 o clock in the night. 

"Be ready. Will come to pick you up in an hour". 

I was surprised. Till the time I tried to call him my phone beeped again. Another message popped up on my screen. 

"Don't call up please. Trust me and be ready". Mind you in your best clothes. "

I got all excited and nervous about the approaching moment.  

I ensured that my parents were fast asleep so that I could sneak out and be with him. 

It was "The Moment" I was waiting for always. 


(To Be Continued)

Review: The Backbenchers: 3 Days of Summer (The Backbenchers, #3) by Sidharth Oberoi

School romance was rekindled with this series long back. A pang of jealousy, changing stances towards each other, love and fun times of school were the essence of the first two parts. Author Sidharth Oberoi in his third installment "The Backbenchers: 3 Days of Summer" tries to bring the characters on the same page with a wild adventure trip. So is he successful in continuing with the tradition of successful backbencher series? Let's find out. 

Ananya has never been to Summer camp before, and that's exactly what school seems to be offering this time. And not just that- they are offered the chance to undergo a hands-on workshop with India's leading authority on digital photography.  Natasha - eager to rediscover herself, signs up too. The boys join in on the fun, and the expedition is led by a young, vibrant new teacher. They come across two new pals- A dusky-brainy-nerdy-rebel girl from Ooty and an up-top performer from Doon.
But things never are what they appear to be- and it soon turns out that their teacher has her own hidden agenda behind the workshop. An eccentric genius photographer tries to play the kids against each other and they find themselves square in the face of danger, in a tropical rainforest, nonetheless. In the midst of that action, Yuvraj and Ananya cross a new threshold in their relationship. Will it last?
Will they prove their mettle when their ability to work as a team is questioned?
Join the unbeatable, indomitable backbenchers in a trip right across the country, and gaze into the wild - through their docile, yet remarkably vivid lenses.

First look at the title and the cover and glimpses of the previous two parts of backbencher series is there in the readers mind. Those who have gone through the first two parts can easily relate it to the third installment. The blurb talks about the same old characters but with a twist of some trip in it. The blurb is definitely good enough to increase the curiosity of the readers with glimpses of the old self. 

The story starts off in Presidency Convent the main location in the previous two installments and most of the characters reprising their roles i.e Ananya, Yuvraj, Natasha & Shreya and introduction of new characters like the dynamic Mitali Roy the teacher, Abhinav the by from Doon, the angry Sanjib Desai & not to forget Natasha Nambiar the crush of Abhinav. They all set out for a photography course stint advertised by Sanib Desai in the jungles of Tamil Nadu as location and Mitali Roy to lead the way. Little they know about the past between Sanjib & Mitali and once they come to know of it they become extra cautious in their approach. The photography course gradually turns out to be a nightmare for some of them as Sanjib tricks them in to the jungles with some own personal agenda and revenge on Mitali. Does his antics pay off in the end? Will the children be able to ward off the threat looming large at their heads? Will Mitali be able to forget the old scars? That's what the story is all about. 

This time the story is more of an adventure and exposure to outside world for the young kids of the story.The adventure keeps things interesting and curiosity levels high in the book. The personal rivalry of Mitali & Sanjib is the most sought parts of the book. A few moments of rage and fury and smartness are worth reading. 

The downside of the book is lack of some bold narration in the story. It's plain and predictable. The story becomes a personal vendetta neglecting characters like Yuvraj & Ananya. A lot more could have been done to avoid such feeble attempt at weaving a story around young kids. Lack of excitement in the first half is pretty evident most of the times. 

The book though the third in the series and an attempt to be different from the rest two is somewhat successful but leaves highly disappointed when it comes to expectations and change in the styles of writing from the previous two books. The book can be read to keep the continuation alive for the readers who have gone through the first two parts. It's not one of the best attempts. 

RATINGS: 

2 OUT OF 5

Review: I Loved A Street Woman by Nitin Vinay Khare

Some books are best left undescribed. They have things in it which make them different and altogether a new reading experience for the readers. Author Nitin Vinay Khare in his novel "I Loved A Street Woman" has tried something different to suit the readers taste. So how different is it from the others? Let's find out. 

How much can one sacrifice for love?Is love just fun and physical pleasures or something much beyond that?Would one chose a street woman over a princess?Do omens and destiny play any role in our relationships and love?
I loved a street woman is the story of Capt. Aviral (Ex Indian Army) a young war veteran who is reconciling his life, estranged from his childhood love and recovering from war injuries. Was it really true love that he lost? 
As Aviral starts his Travel firm, he accompanies a strange travel freak mysterious girl Umrao on a random trip. As they visit old forgotten cities and experience the cults and practices of these places and explore the unseen life of villages en route, their most secret doubts and fears begin to unwind. As the trip ends and Umrao disappears leaving no clue, Aviral finds that she belongs to the banned streets of the some unknown town.
Will he ever accept and confess his love for her? Will he sacrifice everything for love?I loved a street woman is a journey which unfolds the absolute meanings of love.

First look at the title and a strange feeling overpowers the mind of the readers. There is more to the title that meets the eye. The cover image portrays a beautiful woman with her back facing towards the readers. It's the essence of the title which leaves the minds little confused. The blurb talks about sacrifices made in love and about two characters who are going to experience it together. It's the depth of the blurb which makes you understand the mystery behind the title of the book. It's a well carved out blurb. 

The story is about Captain Aviral. He retires from Army because of numerous injuries suffered in a war and his left leg is left amputated for the whole life. His best friend Yashika helps him out in getting out of the entire trauma and also helps him in establishing a travel business. The friendship between them takes a beautiful and an ugly turn in a short span of time and Aviral is left fending for himself. He drowns himself in work to forget Yashika and one day a strange travel request of Umrao to 4 Hindu pilgrimage sites baffles him completely. He makes a hasty decision and decides to be the chauffeur for Umrao during the entire journey. The journey marks a new beginning for Aviral as he gradually keeps getting close to him and falls in love with her. The love makes their bond stronger but Umrao hesitates in reciprocating back in a similar manner. A sudden development changes it all and life strikes hard on Aviral as a series of events trigger the unthinkable things in his life. So will Aviral move out of his past and be with Umrao? Will Umrao accept him? That's the story all about. 

Love has no boundaries. It can happen with anyone anywhere and anytime. This is what is the primary essence of the book. The realization in life and the positive attitude towards each and everything in life is also a strong theme of the book. The sacrifices too play a major role in the book. A love story with a different kind of setup and altogether a very different approach to it blended with history & adventure. Umrao is the stand out character in the book. Her character though has a lot of unspoken things to it but still speaks and leaves a great impact on the mind. 

The book as a few downsides to it. The things between Aviral & Yashika were wrapped too quickly. Details of love between Aviral & Umrao lacked depth too at times. The book required a lot more detailing and depth toning down the history narration in it. A lot more focus was required on the personal lives of the characters. 

The story is about love and sacrifices made in it for each other. It's a start and stop game but with a lot of heart and soul in it. Some startling revelations will keep the readers hooked till the end. It won't disappoint you as a reader but lack of depth will be an eye sore sometimes. It has more to it than one can imagine. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5 

Review: How I Got Lucky by Farhad J Dadyburjor

Satires are few and satires exploring entertainment industry hardly exist. It's never easy to blend in humor with some serious emotions and then go on to write a book and present it to the readers. Author Farhad J Dadyburjor in his debut novel "How I Got Lucky" tries his hand penning down a satire covering the various aspects of entertainment industry from the eyes of a magazine reporter. So does the satire works? Let's find out. 

A satire on the entertainment world set against the frenzied buzz of Mumbai city
I was with Lucky... Lucky Star. He showed me what he was wearing to the Cannes Film Festival. Hes given me an Exclusive.
Raman Malhotra is thirty five, uninitiated in the matters of love, and endlessly confused about his sexuality. A journalist with The Weekly, his search for front page scoops come to a screeching halt when hes assigned the Bollywood beat. Throw into the mix the shenanigans of an overpowering lesbian photographer, a dirt-swapping PR queen, a webcam model doling out sexual favours, and a rising Bollywood star. 
Ramans blah existence is dramatically thrown off-kilter when he finds himself being pursued and courted by the bisexual king of Bollywood, Lucky Star. Puckered into a world of celebrity, malicious gossip, and meaningless shags Raman wrestles with his sense of self, ideas of love, and the monstrous caricatures of entertainment. 

First look at the title and the cover and it sounds humorous to the readers. The vibrant cover image and the witty title works as a charm for the book. The blurb highlights the theme of the book and talks about the central character of the story. The blurb is quite bold in speaking about it's theme and there are no doubts saying that it gels well with the title and the cover of the book. 

The story revolves around Raman a journalist who is assigned a job by his boss Shaila to get some sneek peeks good or bad about celebrities and help them in increasing the readership of the magazine. Raman goes on to explore the wild side of the entertainment industry where he stumbles across all sorts of people like a lesbian photographer and her affairs, an upcoming star In Manjeet & not to forget Lucky Star the heart throb of Bollywood who later on goes on to have an affair with Raman which is kept away from the media. Raman is stifled out by the stiff competition in his office from Shaan her colleague and the happenings on his personal front. So will he able to rise in his new assignment or will fall down with a thud? That's what the story is all about. 

If there is seriousness in the story then there is humor too. If it talks about discreet relationships and wild flings then it talks about office jealousy and competition too. If it talks about entertainment industry as a whole then it talks about office pressure and the knick-knack of being a journalist too. The story has all in it to make it a perfect satire for the readers to cherish. It's quite different from a regular story line and few surprises awaits the readers every now and then in the story. Spot on narration and dark and bright side of entertainment industry awaits as a package for the readers. 

The downside of the book are the first few chapter which go nowhere at all. It takes a lot of time to build up a story around Raman. The pace is slow at times and it feels a bit dragged in the middle parts of the book. 

All in all it's a humor filled story of a person with lot of turmoil and upheaval in emotions time and again. It takes sometime to get the grasp of the story but after that it's a ride worth hitching and a journey worth undertaking with Raman Malhotra. 

RATINGS: 

4 OUT OF 5